Means for controlling the expression of automatic music-players.



No. 887,376. PATENTED MAY 12, 1 908.

' G. P. BRAND.

MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE EXPRESSION OF AUTOMATIC MUSIC PLAYERS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 24, 1903. RENEWED MAY .2, 1906.

8 SHEETSSHEET l.

Fcyi

PATENTED MAY 12,1908.

G. P. BRAND. MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE EXPRESSION OF AUTOMAIIG MUSICPLAYERS.

APPLIOATION FILED NOV. 2%;1903. RENEWED MAY 2, 1906.

a SHEETS-SHEET 2.

WIS

PATENTED MAY 12, 1908.

. G. P. BRAND. MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE EXPRESSION OF AUTOMATIC MUSICPLAYERS.

APPLIOATION FILED NOV. 24, 1903. RENEWED MAY 2. 1906.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3 GEORGE P. BRAND, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE EXPRESSION OF AUTOMATIC MUSIC-PLAYERS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 12, 1908.

Application filed F vember 24, 1903, Serial No. 182,449. Renewed May 2,1905. Serial No. 314,869.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I GEORGE P. BRAND, a citizen of the United States,residing in the city, county, and State of New York, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Means for Controlling theExpression of Automatic Music-Players, of which the following is a, secification, sufficient to enable others skille in the art to which theinvention appertains to make and use ,the

same.

My improvements are applicable generally to pneumatic apparatus forautomatically actuating musica key instruments; and the inventionconsists, in the use of the means hereinafter set forth for controllingand applying difierent tensions, whereby I am enabled not only to attaininstantaneously a change fromthe maximum to the minimum volume of sound,or vice versa, but also to attain any intermediate degree of tensionbetween the two extremes, thus increasing the scope of expression andadmitting of delicate shadings in tone as well as forceful accentuation.

In the accompanying drawings, I show diagrammatically an arrangementand'combination of parts and devices wherebymy invention may be operatedpractically, although I do not limit myself strictly thereto since it isobvious that various changes and mechanical expedients may be resortedto without departing from the spirit and intent of my invention. In factsome of the "parts and devices herein shown-and used s mbolically arenew in themselves and form the subject matter of concurrentapplications, and while preferable for use in this connection might besupplanted by other and well known devices performing like functions,without altering materially the results attained.

Figure 1, is a diagram in sectional elevation of parts essential in carring out myin vention, without regard tot eir exact rela' tive positionsin" the apparatus; Fig. 2, is a similar view illustrating the operationof cerparts; Fig; 3, is a dia rammatic view showing a modification inthe arrangement of parts; Fig. 4, is a section through one of theexhausters; Fig; 5, is a diagram illustrating the general arrangement oftension devices heretofore used.

. E, E, are air exhaust pumps ordevices of any suitable form and'constructirdm'those shown in the drawings being provided with ,thenormal reservoir N. an reservoir A, and the action box or chest H.

pallet valves (3', e, similar to that shown in detail in Fig. 4. Anydesired number of the exhaust devices E, may be used in conjunction,each being connected with the normal tension reservoir N by a duct a,and with the accentuating reservoir A, by a duct a,the air duct n,opening into the diaphragm charnber a, of the normal reservoir N, whilethe duct 0, opens into the body of the accentuating reservoir A.

It is to be understood that hereinafter I with a diaphragm chamber 0,and diaphragm 0, under which opens the air pressure conduit Z), leadingfrom the inlet valve B, which latter is adapted to be operated manually,and may be of any desired or Well known construction. The "centralchamber c of the cut off C communicates through a conduit a with thespace 0 in the casing back of the diaphragm p and the valve chamber 0communicates through the opening 0 with the atmosphere. The valve stem(1, carries two valves d, (Z engaging respectively and alternately withthe seats 0, c and its lower end is formedwith an open cup-shapedbearing d Which rests against'the upper side of the diaphragm 0. Anequalizing tube c connects the diaphragm chamber a, of the controller 0with the diaphragmchamber n,

of the normal tension reservoir N.

G is What may be-designated as the intermediate tension chest, interosed between accentuating This intermediate tension. chest G ispartitioned off into three compartments 9, g, g, the central one ofwhich g, constitutes a va riable tension chamber communicating with theaction chest H,-through the exhaust conduit h. A conduit n connects thenormal tension reservoir N with the chamber g,- and in like manner theaccentuating reservior A, is connected by the conduit a, with thechamber 9 In the chamber g is situated a diaphragm g separating the restof the chamber from the end formed with the opening 9 into theatmosphere. In like manner the chamber 9 is rovided with a diaphragm gseparat ing t e rest of the chamber from the end formed with theaperture g", but in this case the aperture 9, instead of openingdirectly into the atmosphere, communicates through the duct g with theshunt controller S, opening into the central chamber .9, thereof. Thepartitions in the intermediate chest G, are formed with valve seats gg", with which engage alternately valves i, i, upon the valve stem I,the latter being also formed with end abutments "L which bear againstthe diaphragms g g respectively.

The shunt controller S, is formed with a diaphragm chamber 8, in whichis situated the diaphragm s interposed between the valve seat 8 and the0 en end of the air pressure ductsZ, and 7', t e former connecting withthe air pressure valve L, or other manu: ally operated air inlet device,and the latter with'the tracker board T.

.9 is an equalizing duct connecting the chamber 9 with the diaphragmchamber 8,

of the shunt controller S. The latter is also formed with a seat .9 andchamber s,,the latter communicating with the atmosphere through theopening 8 The valvestem f, carries the two valves f and f, and is formedat its lower end with the open cupx-rshaped bearing f for contact with te diap agm 8 The conduit h, from the variable tension chamber 9, entersthe vacuum chamber h, of the action box or chest H. Said vacuum chamberh, communicates through a series of ports h with a series of chambers h,each coincident with and individual to one of the series of keypneumatics K. Each of said chambers 71 is formed with two valves seatsif, 72 one 7L3, opening to the atmosphere, and the other I? through theport h, into the vacuum chamber h. The valve seats 7? are closednormally by valves 1), on rods P which also carry valves 1), forengagement with the seats 7L3, opening to the atmosphere. In thesechambers it, between the valve seats 72 lbs, are situated the openingsin, into the key pneumatics K. The end of each valve rod P is formedwith an open cupshaped bearing 19 for contact withthe diaphragm 7L5,situated in the space h, and interposed between the seat if, and theairduct 25, leading tothe tracker board T.

The valve rod P is supported near its inner extremity by the cross armor bearing 7L7, and

we at its outrr extremity by a rock lever 7L which allows it to adaptitself easily and quickly to motion in either direction.

Each key pneumatic K is connected by a rod is, with an actuating leverg, by which a particular key of the musical instrument is normadepressed whenever its pneumatic K is deflated, and released when saidpneumatic K is again inflated under the conditions hereinafter setforth.

It is to be noted that I not only couple the exhausters E, E, togetherbut also connect each reservoir N, A, with each ,exhauster. This may bedone as shownin Fi 1 and 2, or-as shown in the modification Big. 3. Inthe first two figures named short pipes 'or conduits a, n, connect thechambers e, e, on the adjoiningexhausters E, E, so that each reservoirisin connection directly with both exhausters.

In Fig. 3, the conduit n, enters the diaphragm chamber n, of the normaltension reservoir N, and the conduit 0,, enters directl intothe'auxiliary reservoir A, the result eing the same in either case,namely, that both the normal tension reservoir N, and the auxiliaryreservoir A are connected together indirectly through the exhausters E,E, so that unless the normal tension reservoir N is cut out by theseating of'the diaphragm n, on the edge of the duct n, the same degreeof tension will prevail in both reservoirs.

It is to be understood'that the, diaphr s shown are formed with bleedholes, or t atprovision is otherwise made for then retraction. Thecup-shaped bearings on the ends of the valve stems are also perforatedor formed to admit of circulation of air. I

Under normal conditions the music sheet M- traveling between the rollsm, m, admits air to the duct t, whenever a perforation comes intocoincidence with the corresponding. opening in the tracker board T,thereby forcing the diaphragm it, forward, opening the valve 1), andseating the valve 12*, and causing the collapse of the pneumatic K. Theforce and speed of the downward stroke thus im arted by the pneumatic Kto the key of t e musical instrument throughthe medium of the rod is,and lever q, will obviously depend upon the degree of vacuum or tensionin the vacuum chamber h, of the action chest H, and this in turn, in thearrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2, on the degree of tension in thevariable tension chamber 9, of the intermediate chest G. Playing without interference or hand manipulation of the parts, this degree of tenslonwill e ual that existing at the time in the l reservoir N, sincecommunication is unobstructed through the conduit a be- 4 tween the saidreservoir N and the variable tension chamber 9.

Now it is one of the pecularities of my a paratus and of my system ofaccentuation, tl iat under these so called normal conditions, which areusually only temporary during ordinary use, the degree of tension in theaccentuating reservoir A, and connections is essentially andsubstantially that existing in the so called normal reservoir andconnections,the cross connections between the] raising the valve d, fromits seat and admitting air through the opening 0 valve seat 0, and ductc to force the diaphragm o to its seat on the end of the port it, thuscutting off communication between the reservoir N, and the exhausters E,E. .As a result the exhausters E, E, act temporarily on the accentuatingreservoir alone, one or two pulsations of the exhausters beingsufiicient to increase the tension in the reservoir A to a degree thatwill insure a sudden and marked increase in tension in the vacuumchamber h, of the action chest H, immediately upon the shifting ofthevalves '5, i, in

the intermediate trunk G. This is -accomplished either by the passage ofan accent perforation in the music sheet over the mouth of the openingin the tracker board leading to the conduit j, or by the de ression:

of the air pressure, valve L, the resu t being the same in that air isadmitted underneath the diaphragm s in the shunt controller S,

thereby raising the valve stein f, and valve f admitting air through theopening 8 valve seat s, chamber 8, and duct 9 to the rear of thediaphragm. At the same time the valve f", is seated, cutting offco1i1munication between the chamber 8, of the shunt controller S, andthe chamber 9 of the intermediate chest G. As a consequence thepressure. in the end pf thechamber g to the right of the diaphragm 9being greater than in the chambers g, g the said diaphragm gf", actingon the abutment i throws theyalve 'rod' I, over until the valve '2',rests against its seat 9 at the .same time withdrawing the valve t, fromits seat g. thus closing communication .between the variable tensionchamber g, and the chamber g, and o ening communication between the chamer g and said variable extension chamber 9, as shown in Fig. 2, whichalso shows the normal reservoir N cut off by the dia hragm m, fromcommunication with the ex Ta'usters E, E. It must be said inexplanationof Fig. 2, however that while it illustrates clearl theoperations attendant upon and essential to accentuation, itdose nptnecessarily indicate the actual relative positions of the 'partsd'un ingar-centuation, since as a. matter of the cutting ofi of the normalreservoir N from the exhausters E, E, is only a preparatorymeasurewhereby the reservoir A, is changed temporarily from, anauxiliary reservoir into an accentuating reservoir, and since it is notdesigned to reduce .the tension materially or perceptibly in the normalreservoir N, and connections, communication may almost immediately bereestablished between the said normal reservoir and exhausters withoutimpairing or interfering with action of the accentuating reservoir'A. Inpractice the air pressure valve B, is depressed for a moment only andmay then be released even before the air pressure valve L is depressedto actuate the shunt controller as before described. The release of theair pressure valve B, cutting off thepressure of the atmosphere from theunder side of the diaphragm 0', causes the latter to collapse and returnthe valve d, to its seat 0, thereby cutting off atmospheric pressurefrom the diaphragm n, the simultaneous opening of the valve (1,providingfor the equalization of tension between the chamber 0 in thecut off C and interior of the. diaphragm chamber n. a

Itis only desi cation between t e accentuating reservoir A and thevacuum chamber 71', of the action chest H for a comparatively shortperiod of time,since the accentuating reservoir A may thus be quicklyand conveniently turned into a high tension medium and thrown in and outofcommunication with the 'vacuum chamber in the action chest as often asdesired, and at comparatively short intervals of time if necessary, theparts, owing to the coupling together of the exhausters E, E, and theconnection of the latter with both ed to maintain communithere is actualcommunication between the said reservoirs through the exhausters,-thepallet valves on the latter'under other conditions preventing suchcommunication. I

At the end of the accentuation the air pressure valve L is released,cutting ofi atmospheric pressure from beneaththe diaphragm 8 of theshuntcontrollerS, and there y lowering spindle f, seating the valve, anduns eatmg the valve f and opening cpmmumcation between the interior ofthe dia hragm chambers of the controller S,.and1 c amber through themedium of the duct sthereby equalizing the tension on both sides of thediaphragm g Atmospheric pressurebeing 105 the normal reservoir N and theauxiliary resf nipulation of the exhausters E,-E. Thus theauxiliaryreservoir A connecteddirectly with r they exhausters E, E, andindirectly through I thus cut ofi at this end of the intermediatechestG, and the tension neutralized on opposite sides of the diaphragm 9the pressure of the atmosphere upon thediaphrag m 9 through. the port 9at the op osite end of the ehe st G, effects the retractie movement ofthe valve rod I, and restores the arts to their normal condition, socalled, as s ownjin It is to be-linderstood that thetermnor-f mal isherein used in a relative sense only, and for convenienceofdescription,since as a matterof fact when the musicjis properly accentuated thetension is varied-constantly,

not only b the use of the air pressure-valves B and L, ut also:byvariations in themathem with the normal reservoir N, :aflords meanswhereby the most delicate shading of tone may be attained at any degreeor dcgrees of tension between the minimum and maximum capacity of theapparatus, at: the same time providing for instantaneous changes frommaximum to minimum, or vice versa, or to and between intermediatedegrees of tension. These results are attained mainly by theuse of anauxiliary reservoir for purpose ofaccentuation which is relatedonlyindire'ctly to the normal tension reservoir, and which whileconnectedwith exhausters common to both reservoirs, is actuated andcontrolled by independent means.

These two features of direct connection with the exhausters, andindependent manipulation of the high tensipn or accentuating reservoir,mark anew and important development in the stateof the art, as I haveproved by actual ex erimentaluse;

As is wel known it has heretofore been customary to connect a normal orlow tension bellows 1 Fig. 5, directly with a high tensionbellows 2, thehigh tension being maintained continuously, and the low tension beingattained by means; of a throttle or valve 3, con trolling communicationbetween the two. bellows substantially as shown by way of illustrationin said diagram Fig. 5, by which it will be seen that the exhaustershave no. direct control over the low tension bellows 1,

' although it may vary considerably in degree,

the higher tension being created only as wanted, and independent of thenormal tension. Both tensions being directly created and controlled bythe pedals or other be no wire-"drawing or throttling of air throughvalves as heretofore to IIICI'GiLSGIB'.

sistance and retard action. 'xB'y thus decreasing resistance anddispensing with the need -'of maintaining a constant high tension- Igreatly economize in the power requisite to I operate theapparatus, andat the same time,

by tension created as needed; and applied directly, insure instantaneousresults, and

more perfectcontrol thereof. This direct ,contro and quick responseenables me to attainwith accuracy variations and effects of accentuationnot heretofore ossible.

then to -P or mF, as may be desired,.the

changes being effected eithergradually or instantaneously as desired,since thetwo tensions-are created, exist, and are controlledindependently, and may have an'ydesired relation to each. other asregardsdegree of tension -results that cannot be attained whereonedegree of tension is dependent on anotheryand where the change has tobe effected through a throttle valve.

In other words, I can effect any desired combination or contrastthat maybe attained by difference in tension, or rather by shifting from onetension to another, for the reason that I am able to create any desiredtension in either reservoir, so that the transitions may be eat orslight, and in any part of the whole field Forinstance, I can drop' fromFF to PPP, and, 7 immediately thereafter change to FF, and

covered by the capacity of the instrument from and between minimum tomaximum tensions.

The variabletension' chest G, interposed between the high and lowtension reservoirs 3 A, N, though not indispensable, is an-'ad-.

vantageous feature in that it affords a s' le shunting device common toboth reservo rs.

The same resiilt may be attained by I eachof the conduitsvr a, to thevacuum chamber h, in the action chest H, or what amounts to the samething, into its conduit h, provided provision for shutting off eachconduit n a, therefrom is made, either b independent valve mechanism, orby a modification of the variable tension chest G, as shown in Fig. 3,in which the middle chamber 9, is dispensed with, and valve chambers g,g, are added .to the high and low tension chambers g, 9 said valvechambers 9 9, being connected with the action box conduit h, by branches9, h", in which case a single valve actuating device, as the shuntcontroller S, will answer the purpose. Where it is preferred however thevalves i, i, may be 1. In automatic music players, the combination of anormal tension reservoir in communication with the exhaust mechanism andwith the action chest which controls the key pneumatics, said actionchest, an auxiliary tension reservoir independently and directlyconnected with the said exhaust mechanismcommunication between saidauxiliary reservoir and the action chest, whereby the latter may be usedas a high tension reservoir for the purpose of accentuation. I

2. In automatic music players, the combination of a normal tensionreservoir in communication with the exhaust mechanism and with theaction chest which controls the key neumatics, said action chest, anauxiliary tension reservoir directly and independently connected withthe said exhaust mechanism and directly with the said action chest,means for opening and closing communication between the normal tensionreservoir and the exhaust mechanism, and means for simultaneouslyclosing communication between the normal tension reservoir and theaction chest and opening communication between the latter and the saidauxiliary reservoir, and vice versa, for the purposes of accentuation.

3. In automatic music players, the combination of a normal tensionreservoir in communication with the exhaust mechanism and with theaction chest which controls the key pneumatics, said action chest, anauxiliary tension reservoir directly and independently connected withthe said exhaust mechanism and indirectly with the said action chest, anintermediate variable tension chest interposed in the conduits betweenthe said tension reservoirs ,and the said action chest, valves in saidvariable tension chest arran ed to simultaneously close communicationebetween one ofthe said tension reservoirs and the action chest and opencommunication between the latter and the other tension reservoir, andvice versa, and means for operating said valves for the purposesetforth.

4. In automatic music players, the combi nation with the action chest,of two tension reservoirs connected therewith, and with exhaustmechanism commdn to both, said exhausters, means for opening and closingcommunication between said exhaust mechanism and one of the said tensionreservoirs, and means for alternately opening and 010s ing communicationbetween said action chest and each of said reservoirs, for the purposeset forth.

5. In automatic music players, the combination ofan action chest, keypneumatics, a

normal tension reservoir, an auxiliary tension reservoir, 9; variabletension chest formed with a plurality of chambers, one of which isconnected with said action chest and others" connected respectively withsaid normal ten sion reservoir and auxiliary tension reservoir, valvesin said first named chamber arranged to alternately open and close com--I munication between it and the other chambers and means for actuatinsaid valves.

6. In automatic players, t e combination of an action chest, a normaltension reservoir and an auxiliary tension reservoir both connected withsaid action chest, exhausters each formed with two inlet valve chambersand valves, an independent channel connecting the normal tensionreservoir with an inlet valve chamber on each exhaust, and anindependent channel connecting the auxiliary tension reservoir with theother inlet valve ch amber on each exhaust.

I 7. In automaticmusic players, the combination of an action chest andkey neumatics, a variable tension chest-formed with three chambers, thecentral one of which is connected with the said action chest, and theend chambers of which are connected respectively with a normal tensionreservoir and an auxiliary tension reservoir, valves in said middlechamber arranged to alternatel open and close communication between itand said end chambers, means for actuating said valves, said normaltension IQSGI'VOII}.

said auxiliary tension reservoir, exhaust mechanism connected with thesaid tension reservoirs, and means for opening and closing communicationbetween said normal tension reservoir and the exhausters, for thepurpose set forth.

8. In automatic music players, the combination of an action chest, keypneumatics, a

normal tension reservoir, an auxiliary tension reservoir, a variabletension chest formed with a plurality of chambers, one of which isconnected with said action chest and others connected respectively withsaid normal tension reservoir and auxiliary tension; reservoir, valvesin said first named chamber arranged to alternately open and.

close communication between it and the other chambers, means foractuating said valves, exhaust mechanism, and means for opening andclosing communication between said normal tensiorfreservoirand theexhaust mechanism.

9. In automatic music players, the combination of an action chest, keypneumatics, a normal tension reservoir, an auxiliary tension reservoir,a variable tension chest formed with a-plurality of chambers, one ofwhichis connected with said action chest and others connectedrespectively with said normal tension reservoir and auxiliary ten-- sionreservoir, valves in said first named chamber arranged to alternatelyopen and close communication between it and the other chambers, meansfor actuating the valves, and means for exhausting the air from theauxiliary tension reservoir.

10. In automatic music players, the combination of an action chest andkey neumatics, a variable tension chest forme with three chambers, thecentral one of which is connected with the said action chest and the endchambers of which are connected respectively with a normal tensionreservoir and an auxiliary tension reservoir, valves arranged toalternately open and close communication between the said variabletension chest and the said end chambers, means for actuating saidvalves, said normal tension reservoir, said auxiliary tension reservoirand means for exhausting said normal and auxiliary tension reservoirs.

11. In automatic music players, the com GEORGE P. BRAND.

Witnesses:

D. W. GARDNER, GEO. WM. MIA'rr.

